CastHeads Magazine Volume 5 Issue 6

JAPANS FAVOURITE MONSTERS

FEATURING : DNA COLLECTIBLES | SOLIDO | TARMAC WORKS & MORE BEAUTIFUL MODELS IN ALL SCALES FROM JAPANS FINEST AUTO MAKER

INTRODUCING

THE SMART WAY TO CATALOG YOUR DIECAST/SCALE MODEL COLLECTION

inside this MONSTER issue

Contributors: Scott Nadeau | Alberto Jorge Rodriguez | Patrick Pchalek | Frank Zinkewitz | Nick Müller| Dakota Pete | Lloyd Gaston | Mason Bloom

• Creative Direction / Design Lance K Müller & Nigel J De Zilwa

TARMAC WORKS 1:64

GARAGE TORQUE

CASTING REMARKS 1:18 THE LAST GREAT MAZDA

CASTING REMARKS 1:18

BLOODTTYPE R

CASTING REMARKS 1:18 THEN & NOW SUPRA

CASTING REMARKS 1:18

WEAPON OF MADNESS

CASTING REMARKS 1:18

SON OF GODZILLA

CASTING REMARKS 1:64

MATCHBOX SUBARU SVX

CASTING REMARKS 1:64

JAPAN’S MOST POPULAR PEOPLE MOVER

DIECAST DISPATHC 1:64

TOYOTA’S STUNNERS

RETRO CAST 1:64 PAST PERFECT

CASTING REMARKS 1:24

LOVE MECHA + ROBOS

CASTING REMARKS 1:18

PURSUIT OF PERFECTION

CASTING REMARKS 1:18

FALKEN FIESTA

SHUTTERCASTERS SHOWCASE

CASTHEADS COUTURE FAITH PIN GARAGE

Majorette Citroën DS19

Considered one of the most innovative vehicles to be introduced in the mid 50’s, the DS19 remains one of the most remarkable vehicles of the 20th Century. Majorette offers the model in Alpine Green with the white roof.

Scale: 1:59 | Status: Available

Schuco Mercedes Benz Rennwagen 1955, 300 SLR

The Mercedes team decided to construct a one-of-a-kind schnelltransporter in 1955 that could ferry a car from one place to another at almost 106 miles per hour.

Now the Blue Wonder is available from Schuco with 300SLR Stromlinger racing car and figure.

Scale 1:43

Status: Available

Jada Toys JDM Tuners 1972 Datsun 620 Pickup

Our favorite little truck is back from Jada Toys in their JDM Tuners line up. This time it’s decked out in off-white single color, and features some lovely chrome wheels.

The front fender features a black front lip and wide fender flairs. We love the fact that this monochrome effect really makes this truck stand out.

Scale: 1:24 | Available

Otto Mobile Ford Escort Mk4 Cabriolet XR3i

Another Euro-centric Ford from Otto Mobile!. This is the Diamond White-hued LHD 1.6 XR3i version for the rest of Europe, while the RHD was also available for those that drive on the other side. Duo tone interior, roll bar and a rolled-up convertible roof.

Scale 1:18 | Status: Available

SOLIDO 1998 MINI Cooper Sport

The epitome of British ingenuity is of course the MINI. A little car with lots of space and as zippy as bolt of lightning. Solido releases the model in a silve/black livery with full rally/race regalia including taped headlights, covered fog lights and wood-paneled dash. This is called the “Street Fighter” edition.

Scale 1:18 | Status: Available

GT Spirit F40 LBWK

The howl of Tsifosi faithful could be heard around the world when Liberty Walks decided to mod out the famed F40. While LBWK isn’t a stranger to kitting out the Maranello Marvels, it took special care to kit this white F40 out to the maximum.

This is an actual that exists. It’s called the Liberty Walk Dolce F40 and was worked on by Kato san. He painted it white as all the F40 originally from the factory were red. This is going to be a truly epic model when it’s released.

Scale 1:18 | Status: Coming Soon

AutoWorld 1976 Trans Am

This model of the Firebird Trans Am was built to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Pontiac. Auto World’s releases include the black/gold and white/blue combinations. 3% of the production run will be the Ultra Red.

Scale 1:64

Status: Coming Soon

Johnny Lightning Silver Screen Machines 1967 Toyota 2000GT Roadster

The fifth outing of James Bond (Sean Connery) saw the suave agent travel to Japan to taken on the evil SPECTRE. One of the stand out moments is him being rescued by one of the Bond Girls in a specially reworked 2000GT. The top was removed. Only two of these ‘roofless’ models were fabricated so that the 6.2ft actor could sit in the vehicle.

The model is presented by JL in a diorama setting with the movie poster as a backdrop and a copper stand with the classic “007” logo.

Scale 1:64 | Status: Coming Soon

Racing Champions Mint 2022 Release 2 1957 Chevy Bel Air

The second generation Bel Air was upgraded with new styling and engine options. The 57 model became one of the most sought after cars and was considered a legend. It also became one of the most identifiable cars of the era.

The Racing Champions model features the Grey body and Ivory roof and a gold grille.

Scale 1:64

Status: Coming Soon

TROPICANA GARDENS MALL CC

ENERGISED BY POWERED BY SUPPORTED BY

MSZ Metal Speed Zone Volkswagen T1 “Gulf Oil”

One of the biggest news to come out of MSZ is not that they are putting some more action models out, but that they got the Gulf Oil license and are working on another oil brand to produce models that will elevate them from a toy-ish brand to more collector focused.

The first model with the Gulf Oil livery is this stunning Volkswagen T1 Transporter in the Blue/Orange scheme and the stunning shiny chrome hubcaps and fenders add a spark to this model. There will be more details coming soon.

Scale 1:32 | Status: Coming Soon

The wonder-makers at OLD & NEW really know how to bring multiple eras into a single car. This 997 is an homage to the race-winning Sharknose Porsches of yesteryear with all the new tech the 21st century can cram into one automotive masterpiece.

TARMAC WORKS RELEASES

Catch up on the hottest, fully licensed models to come out of Tarmac Works. Most of them are available through their web-store www.tarmacworks.com and through their global network of authorized dealers.

The #83 Kessel Racing driven by Manuela Gostner, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting piloted by an all-female supported by the FIA Women in Motorsports COLLABORATION WITH IXO MODELS

The race-winning Maranello Motorsports Ferrari 488 GT3 driven by Jamie Whincup and Craid Lowndes along with Ferrari factory driver Toni Vilander. COLLABORATION WITH IXO MODELS

There are some interesting and highly anticipated models being dropped by TARMAC WORKS for collectors this time around. The first Ferrari models, a collaboration with IXO Models are shipping now. Also included the first GUNTHER WERKS model that comes in a presentation box. Also available is a whole slew of SHMEE150 models, from both TARMAC WORKS and a collaborative effort with MINIGT. It’s great to be a collector with these highly detailed models dropping in a timely manner.

Nothing beats the color scheme of FALKEN on almost any type of model and this Mazda looks spectacular and the white wheels really stand out CHASE CAR AVAILABLE

Another VERTEX modded model drops with a eyecatching luminous green paint scheme. CHASE CAR AVAILABLE

Another banger from OLD & NEW. The restomodded 997 features memorable Martini Racing inspired livery on the model.

CHASE CAR AVAILABLE

FALKEN RX-7 FD3S

Pagani Huayra BC Grigio Mercurio

VERTEX RX-7 FD3S Light Green

Ferrari 488 GT3, Bathurst 12 Hour 2017

Mercedes-AMG G 63 SHMEE150

Old & New 997 JPS

Gunther Werks 993 Green

Ferrari 488 GTE 24hrs of Le Mans 2019

Old & New 997 White

Porsche Taycan Turbo S, Midnight Green

Ford GT Liquid Red

T64G-TL022-FA | 1:64

T64G-TL014-SL | 1:64

T64G-TL022-L | 1:64

T64-072-17BH88 | 1:64

T64R-040-SHMEE | 1:64

T64-TL053-BKG | 1:64

T64-TL054-GR | 1:64

T64-071-19LM83 | 1:64

T64-TL053-WRB | 1:64

MGT00274-R | 1:64

MGT00273-L | 1:64

Tim Burton (AKA Shmee) got this AMG G63 in 2019 and is a perfect dual tone blue match to his McLaren Senna TARMAC WORKS X SHMEE150

The black and gold John Player Special is one of the most iconic liveries in motorsports and the guys at OLD & NEW does an wonderful replication of it in the resto-modded 997. WITH CONTAINER

GUTHER WERKS pays a modern homage to the iconic Porsche 993 with clean lines and modern technology that is wonderfully whole SPECIAL PACKAGING

Pagani’s Benny Caiola collection keeps increasing with the latest addition. This silver (Mercury) shaded model with black carbon fiber accents is a superb example.

The Posche Taycan had the distinction of becoming the first EV in Shmee’s menagerie of exotic cars. The gold wheels/accents make it pop. TARMAC WORKS X MINIGT X SHMEE150

Shmee waited for almost two years to get his hands on this supercar and took delivery of it at Goodwood Motor Circuit. TARMAC WORKS X MINIGT X SHMEE150

LB-Super Silhouette Nissan S15 SILVIA #23 2021 Formula Drift Japan

Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Touring Gentian Blue Metallic

BMW 750Li xDrive Black Sapphire

Datsun 510 Pro Street

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport ‘Grand Prix’

Bentley Continental GT Speed 2022 Light Grey Satin

BMW M4 GT3 #1 ST Racing 2022 12Hr Mugello

McLaren 765LT Spider Volcano Yellow

BMW M4 M-Performance (G82) Fire Orange

BMW M3 M-Performance (G80) Toronto Red Metallic

BMW M4 Safety Car 2022 Daytona 24 Hrs

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Yellow LHD

Ford GT MK II Ford Performance LHD

Porsche Taycan Turbo S Volcano Grey Metallic

McLaren Artura Volcano Blue

Porsche 911 (992) Carrera S Miami Blue

Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta Rosso Dubai

LB-WORKS Ford Mustang Grabber Lime

Datsun KAIDO 510 Wagon

Abarth 595 Gara White LB-Silhouette WORKS GT NISSAN 35GT-RR Ver.1 Red/Black LBWK MGT00434 | 1:64 MGT00405 | 1:64 MGT00436 | 1:64

TSM430627 | 1:43 TS0393 | 1:18

TSM430600 | 1:43 TSM430685 | 1:43 TS0432 | 1:18

MGT00428-L | 1:64 MGT00429 | 1:64 MGT00433 | 1:64

MGT00430 | 1:64 MGT00435 | 1:64

MGT00432 | 1:64 MGT00426 | 1:64 MGT00437 | 1:64

KHMG033 | 1:64

*Prototype sample shown *Prototype sample shown TSM430616 | 1:43 TSM430616 | 1:43

MGT00427-L | 1:64

MINIGT 1:64 #367

HONDA S2000 MUGEN

NEW FORMULA RED

The performance and styling powerhouse for Hondas, takes on the S2000 Roadster and elevates it into the stratosphere. And MINIGT takes them and makes good looking miniatures out of the models. This cherry red with the carbon fiber hood and the gold wheels really make this model pop and ticks all the boxes.

MINIGT 1:64 #353

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 COUNTY WAGON

STRATOS BLUE

What another Land Rover?? Why not, as this County Wagon is a great addition to the growing Land Rover collection from MINIGT. Finished in a darker shade than the previous, with duo tone accents, white roof and steelies, it sits pretty with the previous Pickup version. We can’t get enough of them.

“CastHeads Magazine is one of the best model car magazines in the market”.

“It sets a new standard to model car publication, in terms of the outstanding photography and the in-depth reviews that raised the industry standard to a new level”.

SUNRICH TOY COMPANY

MINIGT - TSM Models - Topspeed Models

Glen Chou, President

VERTEX

MAZDA RX-7

FD3S A’PEX D1PROJECT

THE NUMBER OF TUNER COMPANIES AND BRANDS THAT HAVE EXPLODED OVER THE LAST THREE DECADES LIKE NOZ BEING BLOWN INTO YOUR FUEL SYSTEM IS STAGGERING. BUT THE DEMAND IS THERE AND THOSE WHO LIVE VICARIOUSLY THROUGH SCALE MODELS ARE NOT COMPLAINING AT THE NUMBER OF RELEASES THAT KEEP GETTING PUSHED OUT. TARMAC WORKS HAVE THEIR FAIR SHARE, ESPECIALLY WITH THE ADDITION OF THE GLOBAL64 THAT ALLOWS THEM TO CRUISE INTO ANOTHER CATEGORY OF CARS, AND A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF HOT LICENSES.

Monsters of Japan

Monsters of Japan

Honestly, the only differences I find with Hobby64 and Global64 are the rolling wheels factor and the category or genre of cars, Hobby64 concentrates more on Iconic + Motorsport Legends, whereas Global64 is more tuner, drift, cult car culture blah blah blah who cares!

The biggest beneficiaries are the collectors with more premium 1/64. Like this new VERTEX slammed MAZDA RX7 FD3S. How does it stack up against the 1:1? Pretty freeking brilliant. Details recreated right down to the reversed APEXi branding on the right which means you can take a selfie with this car and the branding will be the right way round. Insta-proof!

My usual go-to benchmark at the office is usually the quality of detail on the wheels and happy to report that not only is it good but it’s getting better and better with intricate designs. (Old New Porsche from Tarmac Works has super wheels as well). The office is growing a collection of Global64 cars and as we look over the RX 7 at the rest of them, we realise that there hasn’t been a single one that we dislike yet. Like you Castheads we are going to enjoy seeing this brand grow.

SWEET SIMPLICITY MATCHBOX SUBARU SVX

Monsters of Japan

CASTING REMARKS

64 Monsters of Japan

Matchbox have an art of making a simple casting beautiful and we are not sure if it’s the paint or the weight but matchbox always comes out on top against HotWheels mainlines in terms of finish and quality feel. The SVX is a beautifully shaped car in real life and look at how Matchbox has treated that design and shape with so much care. As if Matchbox is the more mature stylish big brother of Mattel 1/64 kingdom. Smooth roll especially on our Dream Customs Pad and very photogenic. No headlight tampo or paint sadly but the rear has a tad more detail.

What we didn’t know before buying it and we happily found out after we opened the box was the ASADA rear plate. Ryu Asada was one of Mattel’s and Hot wheel’s prolific designers who were responsible for bringing JDM cars to the brand’s portfolio. So, a lot of the classic Japanese cars made it in and the Subaru SVX is one such example. Unfortunately, due to long-term illness, ASADA passed away last year leaving his legacy in all our homes within a 1/64 scale model.

Monsters of Japan

Monsters of Japan

Monsters of Japan

JAPAN’S MOST PEOPLEPOPULAR MOVER THEAROUND WORLD

Monsters of Japan

Did you know that the TOYOTA HIACE was launched in 1967?!? At the height of race car wars, we are surprised that it didn’t run at LeMans. But yes, the Hiace has been Asia’s choice of people carrier since the dawn of roads. And there are almost a hundred different iterations for different markets including a weird one, in JAPAN this 5th Generation HIACE is badged as the MAZDA BRAWNY BONGO (also a great name for a Tiki Bar). From Majorette’s second tuner series we get three Hiace’s two with the Commuter High Roof and one with the Transporter High Roof. This van is a true ace.

Monsters of Japan

Having reviewed one before we turn our sights to these. The High Transporter has this Hawaiian Shirt floral motif painted onto the body but the main green-coloured body paint is quite cool as it has gold flecks mixed in with the paint making the paint look active and alive when light crosses it. It also comes with this MAD MAX type modification in GOLD CHROME and a spare tyre on the roof. The high raise of the van itself gives quite the imposing stance. My only 2 cents would be concerning the wheels. Instead of just doing a gold rim it may have been nicer if they did the center in gold as well. The rims would have looked hot.

Monsters of Japan

The last van in the Tuner2 Series tiers is the HIACE Commuter. As basic as it gets in white with purple and green in geometric designs down the sides. The mods on this are different, the van going for a more AERO package as opposed to a survival package. Full body aero kit with wide wheel arches and a downforce wing mounted on the roof.

This model of HIACE is also considerably lower than the earlier model we reviewed, this one looking more like a city TIME ATTACK styled van. The one we reviewed in an earlier issue is styled after Japan’s subculture of street mods called ‘Itasha’ based on manga characters added into the car’s design.

The fascination with the car that stunned the automotive world continues unabated.

TOYOTA’SSTUNNER

The Toyota 2000GT, when it debuted in 1965 rendered speechless many who said that the staid Japanese automaker wouldn’t be able to make anything as exciting as what the European marques were offering.

The automaker, working with Yamaha (more famous for both motorcycles AND pianos) built the car while Toyota’s Nozaki Satoru designed the car.

The fastback coupé, with it’s sensuous lines coupled with a straight six enabled this model to sit among the hallowed marques of Europe. It looked comfortable among the Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Aston Martin and Jaguar clique, the first Asian model to do so.

Toyota’s Stunner

Majorette’s foray into producing this particular model was well received by collectors almost instantly when they showed this on their social media. I for one, was excited. This model would be joining my Hot Wheels and Tomica to create a global stable. And the egg shell color closely matched the original one2one scale.

Majorette also got the global collector community involved in choosing the correct wheels to be used in the model, because the prototype had ones that did not pay respect to the actual model.

Toyota’s Stunner

Toyota’s Stunner

And before long, they released the competition inspired racing version in yellow. Collectors were elated. I was ecstatic. Another one? Another one! (Did you just read this in DJ Khaled’s voice?

The sunny yellow model with the green racing livery does certainly pop. And boy does it pop. Plastic headlights, clear on the road version and blacked out peepers on the yellow.

We look forward to more version of this, maybe in fire-engine red, or in the liveries of it’s racing versions.

“In the name of the whole Simba Dickie Group family, we congratulate the CastHeads team to their 5th Anniversary Issue!”

“We are proud to be part of this incredible journey! We are amazed to have made it in nearly every magazine with our brands like Schuco, Jada, Majorette and more.”

“It is a pleasure to work with such passionate people - to the true “CastHeads” Lance and Nigel!”

Felix Stork, Group Marketing Director

SIMBA DICKIE GROUP

Majorette - Schuco - Jada Toys - Solido

Past Perfect

A car that was far ahead of it’s time and the casting the Hot Wheels should have kept going.

One of the Heinz heirs wanted nothing to do with the family business, but ride down his own road.

Rust Heinz wanted to build a car. So he took his Cord 810 and with the support of Maurice Schwartz of Bohman and Schwartz Coachbuilders of California crafted what became known as the Phantom Cosair.

The bodywork was hammered into shape by Bill Williams. The aluminium panels was mated to a tubular steel frame.

The car was far ahead of it’s time. It featured electric push-button doors, an electric fourspeed pre-selector gearbox and sat atop one of the most advanced chassis of that era. Powered by a V8, this moved to a top speed of 115mph!

The actual car still exists, though in a museum and there are days we wish that cars were still made with such style.

Only one was built, and that too as a prototype. But we’re glad that this exists as a diecast model.

Hot Wheels produced the first model in 1999 and was miniaturized by Mark Jones. Since then it saw this casting released in 10 variations with the last one hitting pegs in 2003.

The First Edition model from 1999 is metal on metal with the White Line 5SP wheels.

The first casting resembles the actual car the closest. With it’s glossy black exterior and metal fenders. This would be amazing as a premium model with more details and rubber wheels.

“I look forward to each issue of CastHeads! The cover artwork always set the tone, and the content photography is top notch. Keeping up with the hobby means CastHeads is required reading!”.

Bruce

DIECAST MODEL/LIFESTYLE COLLECTOR, AUTHOR Owner - World’s Most Expensive Hot

Pascal

Wheel

Wild LightningWords+PicsNuningSuma IG:@ningsuma

Johnny Lightning has stolen the attention of off-road fans with the release of this jeep. There’s been a rush in demand once it hits the market, both pre-order and ready stock.

Staying true to the classic FJ40 model, the usual solid casting is presented in green color, white top and black roof rack, along with the iconic Gulf logo on each side.

Here’s the highlight: the dirty muddy effect brushed on almost every part of the car and wrapped the outer part of its four rubber tires, making it a definite nod for adventure-themed vehicles and hence a must have item among off-road lovers.

Scale 1:64 | Status: Available

Wild Lightning

LOVE mecha robotech

Xtwo universes collide with jada toys new line of diecast and japanese pop culture

Who doesn’t love giant robots, aliens, transforming mecha, and space battles?

Robotech encompasses a saga that has been around since the early 80s. Its a spin-off (or remix) of Super Dimension Fortress Macross (and two other series) which in turn, has branched off into multiple franchises over the decades and has been a staple of anime and mecha loving fans all over the world.

Robotech is had its wide gamut of adventure, mystery, action, passion and other themes across its three story arcs and 85 chapters.

When Jada Toys announced that they were bringing the Robotech universe to diecast collectors, there was instant squeals of delight and much fist pumping from people who fell squarely in the middle of that Venn diagram of being diecast car lovers, Japanese anime fans and pop culture aficionados.

The Robotech collection from Jada Toys is part of their new Jada Toys Anime line which as time progresses will see newer additions from different iconic Japanese pop culture franchises. And these are the first four in what will be an exciting line of diecast cars, figures and accessories.

rick hunter & 2020 toyota supra

One of the main protagonists of the saga, Rick had flying in his DNA. His father was both a fighter pilot and a show flier. He became a hero of the First Robotech War and commander of the Robotech Expeditionary Force.

He adventures begin long befor he joined the RDF. He became an accidential hero and after a few more went and became a pilot in the famed Skull Squadron under Rick Fokker.

His VF-1S, call sign Skull 23 lends its livery to his Toyota Supra. The black/white and red color scheme is consistant throughout and has a bight red rear deck lid.

roy fokker &.2020 toyota supra

Roy is the adopted big brother and mentor to Rick. He became one of the most celebrated human fighter aces of both the Global War as well at the Robotech Wars.

He’s ride of choice has always been the Vertiech YF1S Valkyrie (Prototype VF-X-1), call sign “Skull 1” and the predominant fighter of the Skull Squadron.

It’s distinct monochromatic livery, with the only pops of color being the red/white UN SPACY logo and the yellow highlights. The most prominent feature was the white skull and crossbones on a field of black.

The car is dressed in the livery quite smartly without it looking out of place. The skull and crossbones stand out on the black spaces.

max sterling & 2020 toyota supra

Maximillan Sterling was one of the first brave men to join the Robotech Defence Force. He was also one of the best pilots in the entire force. He served under Rick Hunter in the Vermilion Squadron.

Max distinquished himself during the various conflicts and became a target for the Zentraedi forces and even came under the scrutiny of its leader and earned the ire of their star combat pilot Miriya.

Max’s distinct Blue and white fighter is the inspiration for his Toyota Supra.

miriya sterling & 2020 toyota supra

Miriya was a miniaturized* female Zentraedi combat pilot who infiltrated the Human forces to assassinate their ace pilot Max Sterling (who was mistakenly referred to instead of Rick Hunter). Miriya was a female warlord and one of their greatest fighters who was irritated with having a micro human more capable than her.

But eventually, after the failed attempt on Max’s life by Miriya, the two fall in love and get married. Miriya defects to the human forces and shows that Humans and Zentraedi can live in harmony.

She lent her fighting skills to the RDF in a distinctive Red Veritech fighter, which transforms itself into this Toyota Supra.

*The Zentraedi was almost 50ft tall compared to humans but can transform themselves to become human-sized.

CastHeads is a wonderful diecast hobby magazine. The photo and design are brilliant and colourful, so diecast cars become more vivid and eye-catching. I am sure all collectors love it and want to follow every issue to get update and review of different diecast brands.

Sam Chung, Sales CHENGZHEN INTERNATIONAL LTD MSZ Models

The Last Great Mazda RX

THE LAST GREAT MAZDA RX

Mazda RX7 FD Type R Bathurst

I love the last RX-7, for one very good reason, it was the first modern sports car I ever drove. And the second reason, just look at it. Easily one of the most beautiful Japanese cars made to date. An evergreen design. A car where folding lights look like they belong to the aesthetic instead of standing out like pair of awkward ears like most folding light cars. From every angle, this car is a gorgeous whip and OTTO Mobile has done an outstanding job of pulling this one out of their moulds.

The Last Great Mazda RX

The Last Great Mazda RX

The exterior is amazingly well done further enhanced by a stellar paint job I gave it the fine-tooth comb and spent hours poring over pictures online (well the comparison didn’t take hours but staring at 3rd G RX-7’s well…) and everything is spanners up perfect. The shape, detailed lights (not pop-up) badging are all in place. Sadly, OTTO Mobile does only resin models so nothing opens and no getting to look at that detailed interior except through the window, but a more authentic experience as most of us will be able to do just that in real life. One gripe I did have was that one of the exhaust tips hasn’t been hollowed properly. Some who require absolute perfection will be able to get it replaced.

The Last Great Mazda RX

The Last Great Mazda RX

The Last Great Mazda RX

The Last Great Mazda RX

The Last Great Mazda RX

I was excited when I saw this was coming to us to review, my heart exploded with joy when I saw it and from a personal collector’s point of view, I absolutely love it. Otto Mobile has done a Hallmark card for RX-7 fans and lovers. Someone on Facebook once asked why there were no RX 8 models and more 3rd Gen Rx-7s. Even if the RX-8 was the most perfect car in the world to drive it could never hold a candle to how good the last RX-7 looks…ever. Our advice? BUY THIS CAR.

CIVIC TYPE R FN2 EURO SPEC

CIVIC FK8 TYPE R MUGEN

BLOOD TYPE R

First, here’s a little truth. There are ONLY 6 CIVIC TYPE R models. No, the Honda Civics in the opening sequence of the first Fast and the Furious are not Type R’s. The only other Honda’s to carry the TYPE R badge is the NSX and Integra. The main differentiator is that the car from the chassis up is track ready. NOT just engine mods and tuning that can be done with normal CIVICs. Lighter, stiffer, meaner, and definitely faster the red badge is HONDA Rage and we’ve got two from Otto Mobile.

Blood Type R

The FK8 based on the 10th GEN CIVIC is the 6th TYPE R holder and also one of the fastest front-wheel drive mass-produced cars in the market punishing the Nürburgring Nordschleife, track with a new world record for the category. This is Japan’s answer to the European sports sedans and it’s a real Kaiju. Once again Otto Mobile have sculpted a masterpiece and I can see the appeal of pure display models made of resin because they can shape the body design with precision right down to the intricate details. This model is just dripping with sick details that will make your collector’s head spin.

Much like this FN2 EURO Spec version. In 2007 when it was released was christened the Hottest Hatch of the year. And honestly another nicely designed car with some unique design features. A triangular sub design was carried out throughout the car in some subtle ways. Triangle fog lamps, dual exhaust with triangle-shaped tips, and lots of pointy tips shaped into the car. You can enjoy all of this in a 1/18 scale model from Otto Mobile.

Blood Type R

The name MUGEN originates from the dark depths of the HONDA family and is responsible for tuning HONDA’S into block rocking beasts. After all the meaning of MUGEN means ‘unlimited power’. So this is not just your average TYPE R FK8 no this one fell into a VAT of MUGEN at its development stage. Now you can’t see the MUGEN power plant but you can look through the windows.

Blood Type R

What you will see is the highly detailed trim and setup that comes with the MUGEN TYPE R which includes MUGEN race seats that are uncomfortable in real life but look wicked cool. There is a lot of stuff on the body of this car to make it go fast and OTTO has not spared the details.

The FN2 with its own reputation of being one of the best hatchbacks to drive and unique design cues is another good-looking car worth having a gander in a 1/18 scale. Realistic meshwork on the car and as a sucker for detailed wheels the 7-spoke star on the rim is simply beautiful.

Blood Type R

And again, teasing us beyond words is the highly detailed interior you can catch a glimpse of through the window. But it also goes to show that if they are going through so much trouble for a non-opening model you’ll get a stunning well-sculpted exterior.

Blood Type R

The Legendary Toyota

THE LEGENDARY TOYOTA

Toyota has many icons in its stable. The 2000GT, MR2, HILUX, and CHASER, many icons. Few legendary. The Supra definitely falls into the legendary category of bringing joy and happiness to several generations that span the lifetime of the brand, Supra.

SOLIDO brings the noise with two Supra A80 models stomping their way into collectors’ homes. Honestly, the review we have seen so far is positive all the way and we concur.

Slipped this out of the box in the office and was instantly transported back to the ’90s when this was the dream car to own. Toyota designed sport alloys better than any aftermarket

quality faithfully recreated, makes me smile. The wide tail at the back, makes me smile. And that’s what a good model is supposed to make you do, smile.

I do find a lot of enjoyment in SOLIDO’s contribution to our JDM library of brilliant cars. And the price is certainly right. Right enough to buy a couple of these and put one up for customisation.

The Legendary Toyota

The Legendary Toyota

The Legendary Toyota

The Legendary Toyota

Bring it back to 2021 and TOYOTA USA drops the GR SUPRA HERITAGE EDITION at SEMA and in 2022 GT SPIRIT gives it to us in 1/18 resin gorgeousness. All rise and applaud the recreation of Beree Cox Design’s amalgamation of the old and new. Get ready to gorge yourself and revel in experiencing the LG MOTORSPORTS crafted front

splitter and specially designed rear wing which is a true homage to the MARK 4 A80 model. You will enjoy holding up your GT Spirit to get a closer look at the rear diffuser, and front fender covers designed and made by Cripwerks.

The updated version of the 5 spoke wheels are stunning and my new favourite set. Custom

HRE P107SC wheels scaled down to perfection so you can soak in the mesmerising design. And yes, the rear is wider because what you don’t see is the power plant that juices out 500bhp. So, to handle the torque wider wheels at the back = wider wheel arches. Paint colour created by LA PREP called ‘Re-Entry Red’ matched to this model.

Another unique design element in the Supra Mark 4 is the driver’s seating area. Designed like a Jet cockpit with a complete focus on the melding of man and machine. You get to see this with SOLIDO’S detailed interior and opening doors. Supra fans, you should be clicking furiously by now to find these from your local dealer ASAP. These are going like hotcakes.

The Legendary Toyota

The Legendary Toyota

An important part of Heritage models is how much of the iconic design can you bring in without completely bastardizing the new design. Fortunate designer Beree Cox manages to create a delicate balance and lead builders like Marty Schweter to go the distance as in the case of the lights that were custom created, and CNC machined from acrylic to maintain the iconic Mark 4 design. Enjoy the design when you buy the GT Spirit GR SUPRA HERITAGE Edition.

The Legendary Toyota

The Legendary Toyota

WEAPON ALL WHEEL DRIVE OF MADNESS

Weapon of Madness

Weapon of Madness

WEAPON ALL WHEEL DRIVE OF MADNESS

Kings of the All Wheel Drive, Japan’s 4WD spin wizards Subaru made a car that dominated WRC in the hands of one of the greatest drivers and also became one of the most expensive and rarest Impreza models. 400 models made for homologation, untouched produced 345Hp and ate other rally cars for breakfast. SOLIDO makes you the Impreza 22B Sti. And they didn’t skimp on the detail.

Weapon of Madness

Weapon of Madness

Weapon of Madness

Weapon of Madness

For the JDM fans at the office, the making of this issue has been thunderous. Complete with BBS wheels, Sti fog lamp covers, and all the trapping that make us love the Impreza SOLIDO have dropped model worthy of the Subaru fanbase. Faithfully bringing back fond memories in 1/18 scale. They have even got the right blue this model made so famous. Clean paint, a well-detailed exterior, and a well-detailed interior like the pop of the turbo at gear change this BANG for your buck.

Weapon of Madness

Weapon of Madness

Weapon of Madness

THE BEST NEWS IS, SOLIDO HAVE A COLIN MCRAE VERSION AS WELL, SO YOU WON’T BE NEEDING TO BUY TWO OF THESE AND MODIFY ONE INTO THE RALLY VERSION. YOU CAN GET BOTH AND BE THE HAPPIEST SUBI FAN ON THE PLANET WITH YOUR DOUBLE DELIGHT. SUPER STUFF FROM SOLIDO AND THE HITS JUST KEEP ON COMING!

Weapon of Madness

Often mistakenly called GODZILLA the R35 is more like the son. A newer updated version, from good genetics. Having driven one of these monsters I was amazed at how much tech has gone into a Japanese icon that can slap a Lamborghini Aventador around 10 times over and get back home for lunch faster. Probably pick up the lunch as well. Then someone hands over an R35 to LBWK and the world is history.

SON of GODZILLA LB PERFORMANCE

Son of Godzilla

Son of Godzilla

Wild wide wheel arches house stunning carbon fibre rims similar to STRASSE wheel designs and of course I know it’s Carbon fibre because you can see SOLIDO have done an excellent job. The R35 Type 2 LBWK Kit is copied to a ‘T’ and if you wanted to get a good idea of what the real thing looks like this is a great way to get up close and personal. The large rear wing comes detached, which is something you will have to mount yourself, it’s not as fiddley as a side mirror but it is delicate so be careful. As SOLIDO’S interiors improve we get treated to some great models and releases. I wasn’t sure about the whole R35 LBWK scene but now I’m feeling more convinced I can get behind it.

TOP 6 ONE SIXTY

IGNITION MODELS MINI GT

released as an ultra-limited edition for the Malaysia 2019 Diecast Expo. It features some amazing details including a chameleon paint job that shifts from Purple to Blue. Lovely well-detailed bronze six-spoke rims. Hard to find expect to pay USD150 upwards for one.

KJM MINIATURES

this year and these are a must if you can get them. This is one that is the nicest of the two and the paint job is absolutely stunning. Special paint, special paint process and special LBWK design. The box itself is a work of art. Looking at spending USD60 for one of these.

TOMICA LIMITED NEO

LBWK Belgium dropped this gorgeous R35 to promote the GTR Store in Belgium featuring this wild paint job. Fortunately, KJ Miniatures gave it to us in 1/64 scale and our collections of modified R35’s are a go go go! Blue tinted headlights, cherry red alloy wheels this thing is the bomb. The going rate for one is about USD45

This NISMO package version is a classic and one of the last premium GTRs Tomica released before all the competition in the premium 1/64 category took off in a huge way. TLVN is still the daddy when it comes to fine details and demonstrated well with the NISMO branding on one of the wheel spokes. If you can find one expected price is around USD60

TARMAC WORKS MAJORETTE

This work of art is a tribute to the book series Mr Men and Little Miss. If you are an art car lover this is a perfect 1/64 piece to own. And TARMAC WORKS have done a stellar job. It comes in a nice acrylic display box with a gorgeous sleeve and Edition card, but not an easy model to find. Expect to pay around USD 25

The nicest budget 1/64 model comes from Majorette. Lovely metallic Matt red, great-looking wheels, opening doors and great detail for a NISMO GT3 that cost roughly USD10 may be cheaper on the pegs. Love the low stance and the little details like the front splitter and GTR badge. Also comes in two other colours if you want variation.

SIXTY FOUR SCALE NISSAN GT R35s FOR YOUR COLLECTION

This isn’t the first LBWK R35 from SOLIDO which is great news for us collectors. It means there will be more releases in the different variations out there in 1:1 and as always we look forward to what SOLIDO brings us.

Son of Godzilla

“CastHeads team are the future of the diecast magazines, they bring an exciting vision of our creations because they are proudly representative of the new generation of collectors”.

“I love this crazy guys”.

Clément Rouvière, Product Manager SOLIDO

Endless Pursuit of Perfection

by David

really pushed the idea of taking on the European and American contenders in the booming 80s US luxury market but had strong opposition from Toyota’s HQ back in Japan. Basically, Toyota was afraid that producing additional cars in Japan would further sour AmericanJapanese trade relations even further. At that time Japanese companies were accused of dumping, thus hurting the US auto industry.

In the early mid 80s Yukiyasu realized that Toyota needed to enter the North American luxury car market. It was becoming a very profitable image boosting segment stateside.

However, Toyota were initially hesitant about taking on an image above their solid and reliable but often economical established profile. Basically, Toyota didn›t want to rock the boat

However, during the 80s, Toyota noticed a trend of their faithful «Baby Boomers» shifting from Toyotas

to more luxurious/sporty “YuppieMobiles” like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Jaguar, Cadillac, and Lincoln. That said, Toyota›s Mark II based Cressida was nice, but it wasn›t nearly as large or as luxurious as its European and American luxury car targets. Yukiyasu believed that Toyota should have a slice of that profitable Baby Boomer pie.

Initially, in 1983 Toyota thought to bring over one of my favorite cars, the Crown, but Toyota USA objected, claiming that the Crown was designed in Japan for Japanese, and it wouldn›t be suitable for the US luxury segments due to four- and six-cylinder combustible power units.

THE ORIGINAL LEXUS LS400/ TOYOTA CELSIOR WERE BASED ON TWO JAPANESE CULTURAL PRACTICES; OMOTENASHI, TO ANTICIPATE WHAT A CUSTOMER DESIRES BEFORE THEY ASK AND TAKUMI (CRAFT), A CULTURAL ATTENTION TO DETAILS.

Yukiyasu Togo was President of Toyota North American Market, specifically the US in the early mid-80s. Yukiyasu

“The

in 1/18th Scale”

Houston

Toyota also considered their iconic V12 powered Century, but even in the mid-80s it was a $120,000 dollar plus automobile. That was twice as much as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S-Klasse).

Additionally, the Century’s styling was very traditional, originating from the late 1960s with only small updates.

Not to mention the legal battles that Toyota would have had with GM’s Buick, as they had a compact class of cars named “Century” as well. Toyota’s Century were also more of a car to be driven in, similar to the likes of Rolls Royce. American Baby-Boomer generation wanted to drive themselves for the most part.

Even though Yukiyasu had never got the positive response from Toyota HQ in Japan, he had built up a team under him whom soon had the power and courage to start the “F1” (Flagship 1st for the best) project. That is where the Lexus LS400 story starts.

Toyota executives were so impressed with how the program was developing, that a RHD home market version was also

developed for Toyota in Japan called the Celsior. Toyota’s Celsior carried on side by side with the Lexus LS until 2005, when Lexus officially became a brand in Japan and the Celsior name dropped.

Just like Lexus had done way back in 1989, in March 2021 Xiaoguang Model burst onto the scene officially with their 1/18th scale offering.

Xiaoguang Model hit nostalgic with their 1993 LT1 powered Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham.

A lot of us were both shocked and impressed. Xiaoguang’s Fleetwood model had a fully tubed and plumed motor, real leather seats (not unlike CMC Models), metal body chassis and full opening highly functional details. However, that was not enough, for in November 2021, I received an updated Xioguang Fleetwood with different wheels, a new pullout/ push in antenna (aerial), better headlight and other little tweaks to make it that much better.

Like a non-stop freight train, in December 2021 Xiaoguang Model release their 1/18th scale 1994 Lincoln Town Car Signature series. Seriously, pick your jaws up off the floor (You can find my review of that model in CastHead’s “VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1”). Their Lincoln model really blew me and a great deal of collectors away.

Pursuit of Perfection

If the Fleetwood was throwing a stone, the Lincoln had already announced “We’re here and found a building site!”. The Lincoln was so much better than the Cadillac, it was astonishing as to how fast Xiaogaung Model had improved in such a short span of time.

Released at the end of June 2022, Xiaoguang Model is at it again with another iconic luxury car. This time a vehicle which sent ripples through the automotive world in 1989 as a 1990 offering in the United States via Japan (eventually the rest of world receive it as well). Xiaogung Model have finally released their very anticipated 1/18th scale 1990 Lexus LS400. Not since my teenage years had I seen an early 90s Lexus LS400 in 1/18th scale. I still have my original Road Tough Lexus LS400 model from back then, which was the only choice for a 18th scale at that time. Back then I was glad to have it. However, at that time I was still very much heavily into kit building, so I also had built up kits in 1/24 scale via Fujimi’s LS400 & Tamiya’s Lexus LS400 and Toyota Celsior kits (Also its Fujimi Infiniti Q45 competitor

Xiaoguang Model didn’t miss a beat on their LS400, you can tell that whoever thought to launch this model loved this project. Looking upon this masterpiece, I can only find one engineering fault (more on that later).

The model itself is 99.99% accurate looking. I only took that 0.01% point off, because Xiaoguang could have made the dual lines running horizontally through the center of the rear lights a darker red to match the 1/1, and they could have painted the inner front fog light bulbs (next to the grill) yellow to reflect like the 1/1 had done. Additionally, the rear pull-out/push-

in antenna is a touch too thick. That’s all the visual gripes that I have with this awesome model. It looks splendid, even the ride height is spot on. Xiaoguang Model is impeccable. Xiaoguang Model have initially released two Lexus LS400s, one in a solid black and the more common two-tone with lower grey cladding colored version (black over grey, I went with that version). At

the time of this writing, I am looking forward to what other colors will be offered/released in the future. I anticipate white/grey or silver/ grey but would be nice for some rich champaign-gold over brown, burgundy-wine or emerald-green colors too. Xiaoguang Model will spoil us for sure (more on that later).

CASTING REMARKS

Details wise Xiaoguang Model have nailed Lexus’ LS400’s interior faithfully 100%! If you have ever been inside of a 1/1 LS400 or any Lexus products from that era (I’ve not only been in a few LSs, but I owned two Lexus SCs from the mid and late 90s (Fingers crossed for a 90s Lexus

SC400/Soarer 4.0 from Xiaoguang Model). This company got the traditional 90s Lexus era interior colors spot on. The model appears to have realistic supple leather like seats and contrasting dash/

IP door surfacing detail textures mimicking the 1/1. Bravo to Xiaoguang Model on that.

Open the realistically hinged front hood and you’ll spot a full 4-liter V8 250hp 1UZ-FE motor (from top to bottom an entire motor). It’s hyper detailed and very well done and rare to get a complete motor these last few years in a 1/18th scale newer release. Turn the diecast over and you’ll be just as equally impressed with its metal suspension, and drivetrain.

Persuit of Perfection

I mentioned that someone at Xiaoguang Model really loved this car, because Xiaoguang replicated the champagne/ wine glasses in 1/18th scale for the stacking gimmick very popular by the original Lexus LS400 commercials. That commercial was so popular, later Nissan and Dodge also made variations of that commercial for their Altima and RAM/ Intrepid products.

Back to that engineering fault that I mentioned earlier. On this first release version of Xiaoguang Model LS400, you will find it difficult to pivot the front wheels from left to right for poses, because the tie-rod joining link to the steering shaft is too large for the space in which it sits. When I went to pose my front wheels from left to right, I was blocked by the too wide tie-rod link hitting either the front chassis railing or the exhaust manifold down piping. That one thing really frustrates me. Hopefully Xiaoguang will resolve this on their updated releases.

Lexus’s LS has come a long way. So, I also added a few pics with Sum’s Model’s 1/18th scale 5th generation dealer edition Lexus LS500h. It’s a great pairing and shows what nearly 30 years of Lexus’ flagship designs have evolved into.

All of this accuracy & premium detailing doesn’t come cheap, at roughly $250300USD with shipping from China worldwide the 1990 Lexus LS400. This is truly a highly detailed premium piece of automotive history.

If this is a must have for Japanese/ Lexus/Toyota car fans such as myself, I’d say that it’s worth it. Again, fingers crossed for a 90s Lexus SC400/Toyota Soarer 4.0 and might as well throw in an A70 Toyota Supra in fully opening diecast from Xiaoguang Model. Those are both sorely missing.

I’m looking forward to Xiaogung Model’s next 1/18th scale release. Surely it will be an icon as well!

FALKEN Fiesta

No issue based on Japanese cars would be complete without the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 featured in it in some sort. And we are glad it ends with this mint/blue hued Falken liveried model from Solido.

Falken Fiesta

Son of Godzilla

Son of Godzilla

The details are improving with each casting round. The interior is pretty detailed and varied compared to the previous models.

Solido’s goal is to improve the model as much as they can with each new offering.

This is the fifth release of this model from Solido. And the second to feature a livery.

Son of Godzilla

Son of Godzilla

The branding and the details have increased with this model. And even the side mirrors are attachable, but we left them for the moment.

Overall the model feels vastly improved over the previous ones. We look forward to more and more of these GT-Rs from Solido in the coming few years.

SHUTTER CASTER the Monster SHOWCASE

Patrick Pchalek | IG @wonderbunk

Nihon’s Finest

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1992 Honda NSX Type R 1:18 AUTOart

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